We are going to explore the difference between VTV vs VOO:
Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
When it comes to investing, there is no shortage of fund options.
Choosing between two funds can be difficult, but I will make it easy to decide between VTV vs VOO.
VTV vs VOO
The primary difference between VTV and VOO is that VOO tracks the S&P 500 index, while VTV tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index.
Another significant difference is the number of stocks in each ETF. For example, VOO has 513 companies in the index compared to 352 with VTV.
VTV and VOO have different expense ratios.
VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04%
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03%
This expense ratio means VTV is more expensive than VOO. Although, the difference is only 0.01% which can be considered insignificant to some investors.
VTV
- Tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index
- Expense Ratio 0.04%
- No Minimum Investment
- Holds 352 Stocks
- Dividend Yield 2.32%
VOO
- Tracks the S&P 500 Index
- Expense Ratio 0.03%
- Holds 513 Stocks
- Equivalent Admiral Fund (VFIAX)
- Dividend Yield 1.35%
VTV vs VOO Performance
VTV and VOO have had similar performance returns over the last 10 years, with VOO beating VTV by 1.24% annually. This difference can be significant, especially when considering compound interest on those returns.
Here is how VTV and VOO performance compares:
This is a performance chart comparing VTV and VOO:
As you can see, VTV and VOO have performed similarly over the last year. However, VOO beat VTV in performance.
This doesn't necessarily mean this trend will continue.
Similarities between VTV and VOO:
- Vanguard Funds
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
- Low Expense Ratios
- Well Diversified
VTV and VOO Differences
The main difference between VTV and VOO is that VOO tracks the S&P 500 index, while VTV tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. In addition, VOO holds 500 large U.S. companies, while VTV holds 352 large-cap value companies in the U.S.
VTV is a Large Cap Value ETF
VOO is a Large Blend ETF
Therefore, VOO has more holdings than VTV because VTV focuses on the value companies in VOO.
By investing in an ETF with more holdings, you are helping diversify your portfolio and minimize risk.
Differences between VTV and VOO:
- Asset Allocation (Large-Cap Value Only vs Value and Growth)
- Different Number Of Holdings (352 vs 513)
- Expense Ratio (0.04% vs 0.03%)
- Level Of Diversification
VTV vs VOO Holdings
Vanguard's VOO has more holdings than VTV (513 vs 352). VTV and VOO also have different top 10 holdings.
The difference is that VTV's top 10 holdings comprise value companies and exclude growth companies like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla. VTV's top 10 holdings comprise 21% of its total holdings compared to 29% with VOO.
This difference makes VTV less diversified than VOO because investors are excluded from growth companies that have dominated over the last 10 years.
VOO will also have more volatility depending on the performance of these 10 holdings.
Here is VTV and VOO's top 10 holdings side by side:
VTV and VOO's top 10 holdings overlap with Berkshire Hathway and UnitedHealth.
VOO and VTV Holdings Overlap
There is an overlap between VOO and VTV that includes 310 stocks. Roughly 61% of VOO's holdings are in VTV, and 88% of VTV's holdings are in VOO.
Here are VOO and VTV holdings overlap:
There is an overlap by weight of about 51%:
VOO has more diversification compared to VTV.
VTV Profile
- Fund Inception: 2004
- Expense Ratio: 0.04%
- Number Of Stocks: 352
- Top 10 Holdings: 21%
The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index. The index selects stocks from the top 85% market capitalization based on multiple value factors.
Vanguard Value ETF has an MSCI ESG Fund Rating of AA based on a score of 7.40 out of 10.
The ETF holds companies in North America.
VTV launched in 2004 and currently has an expense ratio of 0.04%. This expense ratio makes it a low-cost ETF, but not as low as VOO (0.03% expense ratio).
The cost of owning VTV over VOO won't make a significant difference since they are both low-cost ETFs.
More important is being able to achieve the asset allocation you desire.
VTV's equal Admiral Fund is the Vanguard Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VVIAX).
VTV Performance
Vanguard's VTV aims to track the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, covering domestic large-cap value equities. VTV has the potential to provide steady returns but comes with less diversification than other broad markets ETFs.
Here is VTV's performance chart:
As you can see, VTV has had strong growth over the last 10 years.
However, in the previous 10 years, VTV has underperformed compared to the S&P 500, with an average return of 12% per year.
VTV Holdings
Moving on, here are the top 10 holdings for VTV:
VTV comprises Berkshire Hathaway, UnitedHealth, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan, and Proctor & Gamble.
VTV has about $151 billion in net assets.
No Minimum Investment
VOO and VTV are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), so there is no minimum investment. Investors looking to buy fractional shares can use platforms like M1 Finance.
Usually, fractional shares are not available for ETFs, but with M1 Finance, you can purchase fractional shares with no commission.
Buying fractional shares allows you to maximize your investment. This is great for shares of VOO due to its high price per share.
There are two easy ways to invest in VOO or VTV commission-free.
- Vanguard
- M1 Finance (Use this link for $50 when you open a new account)
Both of these options are free. This is important because fees can lower our returns.
M1 Finance is the best option because it allows you to purchase VOO, VTV, and thousands of other stocks.
I also use Personal Capital to track my investment fees. They have a free Retirement Fee Analyzer that tells you the future impact of fees on your portfolio.
Personal Capital's free tools allow you to quickly find which of your investments has high fees so you can switch them to low-cost options. (Get a $20 Amazon Gift Card with this link when you add at least one investment account containing a balance of more than $1,000 within 30 days)
VOO Profile
- Fund Inception: 2010
- Expense Ratio: 0.03%
- Number Of Stocks: 508
- Top 10 Holdings: 30%
- Dividend Yield: 1.35%
- Equivalent Admiral Fund (VFIAX)
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a very popular ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index. VOO has over $816 billion in fund total net assets.
The fund invests in technology, healthcare, financials, industrials, and other industries and has a low expense ratio.
Vanguard's VOO ETF has been labeled one of the best investments for beginners because of its low cost, built-in diversification, and excellent performance.
VOO Performance
Vanguard's VOO aims to have the same performance returns as the S&P 500 index. Therefore, VOO and the S&P 500 should always overlap.
Here is VOO and the S&P 500 Index performance chart:
As you can see, VOO has performed well since its inception.
VOO Holdings
Vanguard's VOO comprises Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Tesla and provides exposure to over 500 other stocks.
Which Is Better VTV or VOO?
Both VTV and VOO are great long-term investments. VOO offers a similar asset allocation and increased diversification at a lower cost of only 0.03%.
As we saw earlier, VTV underperformed VOO by 1.24% annually. If those returns continue for the next 10 years, it would make the higher cost of VTV not worth it.
However, we can't be sure VTV will continue underperforming VOO since past performance does not predict future returns.
That said, since we don't know if value or growth will perform better, it might be best to blend both like VOO.
This way, your portfolio grows regardless of the next trend in the market.
For those reasons, I would say VOO is the better option.
It gives you similar returns at a guaranteed lower cost.
It comes down to VOO being more diversified compared to VTV.
A similar fund to VTV is the Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF (VOOV). VOOV has a similar profile and returns but a higher expense ratio (0.10%).
Lastly, I think both VTV and VOO can have a place in a long-term investment portfolio.
Considering costs and fees is essential because they can add up in the long run.
That's why purchasing and selling your shares commission-free is essential.
Again a great way to do this is with M1 Finance or using the Vanguard platform directly for these ETFs.
You can purchase fractional shares for free with M1 Finance, which allows you to buy VOO, VTV, and thousands of other stocks/ETFs.
Index Funds vs Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are usually a more accessible option for new investors since they don't have a minimum investment.
In comparison, if you can afford to invest more than the minimum, it's usually better to choose Vanguard admiral index funds because they typically have a lower expense ratio.
In this case, the expense ratio is the same or better with the ETF version of VTV and VOO.
Their matching admiral funds are:
VTV = Vanguard Value Index Fund Admiral Shares (VVIAX)
VOO = Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX)
ETFs are also available to trade at anytime the market is open. Index funds trade after the market closes and the price settles.
Depending on your views, this can be a good or bad thing.
For long-term investors, the ability to trade anytime in the day is not a benefit. On the contrary, it can encourage bad habits like market timing and frequent trading.
An index fund might be a better option if you have these tendencies.
If you prefer to have every penny invested, you will like that index funds offer fractional share buying on the Vanguard platform.
On the contrary, ETFs must be bought one total share at a time unless you use a platform like M1 Finance.
That can sometimes lead to money left uninvested while waiting for your next contribution.
This is more of a preference since I don't think it will significantly affect your returns.
Related Posts:
Is VTV a Good ETF?
VTV is a good ETF in tax-advantaged accounts to minimize tax on dividends. This is because of its larger dividend yield of 2.32%.
Investments with high dividend yields in taxable accounts can create a tax drag on your portfolio.
This can lower your total returns over your investing lifetime.
Generally, it is better to put the following:
High Dividend ETFs Like VTV In Retirement Accounts (Tax Sheltered Accounts)
Low Dividend ETFs In Taxable Accounts
Doing this can help you pay fewer taxes over time.
Is VTV or VOO Better for Financial Independence?
VTV and VOO can get you to Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE). They have similar returns on investment and rock-bottom expense ratios.
Calculate Your FI Number With My Free FIRE Calculator
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So, either option is an excellent investment for financial independence.
My Winner: VOO
My winner is VOO, based on it having a more diversified portfolio with 513 holdings and a lower expense ratio of 0.03%.
Whether you choose VOO or VTV, the vital part is investing regularly in low-cost funds over the long term. That is the formula for wealth!
As I mentioned, you can invest in both depending on your desired asset allocation.
Both ETFs are Vanguard funds which likely means they will continue to offer low-cost ETFs.
If you like ETF comparisons like these, check out more in our related posts below.